Thursday, 9 May 2013

The philosopher, study

I don't often do a detailed study after completing a larger painting. In this case, I enjoyed this crow so much, I wanted to explore a little further.

Push the contrast a bit more, define the body structure, heighten the purples and greens throughout the body. I also wanted to change up the background. I have loved the minimalist pale grey that I've been sticking to for so long, but I wanted something new.

Or, rather, old. The intent was to present Mr. Philosopher in an old fashioned, oil portrait kind of way, with willowy clouds and a soft foreground. Kind of a dreamy, romantic setting for the grumpy creature. It wouldn't have worked had it been a 'happy' crow.